Up and Out

Actually, its been on my mind for a while now. Between moving out of my college apartment this spring (Three years worth of impulse H&M purchases and junk mail people!), getting back to my parents house in Eastern North Carolina, and then packing it all up in my tiny car to head out to California, it has been a year of changes. The logistics have been exciting, scary, and maybe a bit trying at times- I mean I only called Becca in tears- what was it two or three (hundred) times?

For my first six months in Ventura I have been living in a teeny tiny (read: 350 sq. feet) studio. It seems though, that the new year is bringing along with it new digs and a new roommate which all adds up to- lots of new projects and decorating (which I of course can’t wait to share here!) But I have to say, though I’m looking forward to moving out and up, I’ve really enjoyed my tiny space. It was a challenge to make cozy and functional while still feeling personal.

So, to celebrate the tiny nooks and crannies we 20-somethings always seem to find and pay way to much for in cities far and wide, I’m going to share a few of my favorite tips and tricks for making your small home feel like a castle (haha just kidding- but hey you’ll still like the way it looks!)

Keep it light, keep it brightTry to stick with minimal curtains, embrace that natural sunshine baby!

Pick a color theme and stick to itNothing can make a small space feel more overdone than too many colors competing for attention. In my experience, what works best is a nice light palette with one or two pop colors. In my apartment I’ve been trying to stick to white, navy, and green.

While you’re at it maybe one of those colors should be greenJust like keeping your windows uncovered, adding plants and greenery into your space can help pull the outdoors in and make your space feel more open and bright. Plus it’s fun to have something to nurture… right?

Don’t be afraid to fill up the wallsI am a big advocate of the gallery wall. Photographs, prints, trinkets, almost anything can be framed and hung up for instant added coziness. Plus nothing can help a space feel more like a home than little reminders of good times. Just be mindful of your overall color scheme when selecting your frames!

Edit, Edit, EditLess furniture, less clutter on tabletops, just less. Whatever you can edit out of the equation, you probably should. In tiny apartments you want to save your room to dance around in your favorite outfits, not for another footstool or whatever.

How are you finding Ventura? I had some job interviews there last year (by phone only), and also in Oakland/San Fran. I ended up not going with either job and instead staying in NZ, partially because the cost of living is so high and I would have ended up in the teeniest apartment ever!

Hey Rebecca,
Thanks for the follow and comment!
I’ve really liked Ventura so far. Its got a kind of cute small town vibe that has been really fun. The cost of living is a bit higher than I was used to but at least its better than LA. Plus its fun to be at the beach! But NZ- how great! I’d love to travel there at some point.
-Laura